Author's Note: Hey hey hey! I'm back! Didja miss me much? I hope not.
Here's the next chapter! It's coming along quite nicely if you ask me, I'm
going to try and speed things up in the next couple of chapters, there's
just so much to do and if I keep going at this pace, the seventh book'll be
out and all my work would have to be re-done to incorporate new information
we get. I'm planning on making this a trilogy, I'm just not sure what gonna
happen exactly. I have this one pretty much planned out and how it'll end,
but the other two, not so much. Thanks to all my reviewers! Well, hope you
enjoy!
Rating: PG-13
* * *
"You've found it?" Hermione sputtered out, looking in shock to Draco who merely nodded.
"But let's not discuss it here, out in the open. Albus wants us back at Hogwarts for dinner. So we have some time to enjoy each others company for a while." Rachel replied with a smile. Ilyanna slid into her seat once again in the booth, her mother at her side. Rachel was immensely interested in what had changed at Hogwarts, and Hermione and Draco were more than glad to spill all of it's secrets. Ilyanna listened intently, commenting on how things were so different from The Magia School for Sorcery. Rachel told them a few stories on her expeditions at Hogwarts, many including Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. She admitted that she wasn't as close to the Marauders than she was to Lily, but they got along well. Except for Lily and James, until the seventh year.
After the mention of the lost souls, a moment of silence passed between them. No one wanted to address it really, the pain just rippling the waters of their emotions. They passed onto more joyful topics, such as Ilyanna's nightclub, Elysian Fields. She took pride in it, being only 17 and running a business. She had, in fact, won it in a bet. Quite an amusing story by all means. Two pizza' sand three rounds of butterbeer later, they left the Three Broomsticks and parted ways. Ilyanna back to Magia, Rachel, Hermione and Draco back to Hogwarts.
Back at the school, Rachel went up to the teacher's table and sat down next to Professor Vector, talking pleasantly to her. Hermione glanced at Draco, who was uncommonly close to her, glaring at the people who walked by. She had an odd feeling he was guarding or protecting her, as if she was someone very delicate and fragile. She had to admit, it wasn't all that bad having someone who was protective of her. She smiled as her wrapped his arm round her waist, pulling her to one side as a group of Hufflepuffs walked in. Hermione pulled away and gave him a reassuring smile, Draco nodded, getting the hint. She left to the Gryffindor table, and Draco to Slytherin.
Harry and Ron quickly followed in suit after Hermione sat down. They looked hot and sweaty,
"Quidditch practice." Ron said, seeing Hermione's odd look.
"But it doesn't start until October." She said, trying to make sense of it.
"Yeah, but if we don't start practicing, we could lose the quidditch cup, and that's not something I will risk this year." Harry replied, helping himself to some of the delicious looking food that just appeared. Hermione and Ron followed in suit, filling their plates. All through dinner, Hermione felt Draco's gaze on her, as if he knew something she didn't. Every now and then, she'd return the glance, giving him an 'I'm OK' look. He still didn't give up. She tried to venture into Harry and Ron's conversation, which, for the first time in a long time, wasn't about quidditch. She noticed small little things they did, escalating the sexual tension between the two boys. She silently hoped that one of them would get up the courage to tell the other, but she that they were both prideful and stubborn, so it wouldn't be happening soon.
After dinner, Hermione bid Harry and Ron adieu and went up to the teacher's where Draco was already their, with Rachel and Headmaster Dumbledore. She pulled her hair down and shook it out as Dumbledore ended his conversation with Rachel.
"Ah, good, you heard about our little chat." He said, giving them a smile behind his half-moon glasses. "Why don't we go somewhere a little more private, my office, perhaps?" They nodded and he stood up, leading the three to his office down the corridor and to the right. Once inside, Dumbledore seated in his armchair, and the others seated in leather chairs, he began once again. "Now then, We are here to tell Ms. Granger the myth, and decide what course of action to take next. Any questions before we begin?" No one moved, "Well then, Rachel, please start." She nodded and conjured up a piece of parchment. She gave Hermione a reassuring glance then cleared her throat.
" Long ago, before the sands of time began to fall, there was a maiden. She was forever young and blissfully serene. If you were lucky, you could see her dancing the sun set and raising up the moon. Life was still and silent, a peaceful sleep, during this age. The maiden would caress all forms of life with her breath, her steps brought little flowers up and her voice was the music that filled souls. Yet before long, a young man found her dancing in a grove and was entranced by her. Her would go to her everyday and watch her dance in the grove, unnoticed. One day, he got up the courage to make himself known. She was dancing, and he came through the trees. She halted when he came into view, but without saying a word, he offered to dance with her. Life began to awaken as they danced. Birds sang for the first time, flower soaked up the sun, animals inspected the terrain. And the first infant's cry was heard. The Beginning Age had began, all with a dance. The maid and the man never left each other's side, raising the sun and drawing down the moon together each day, watching and protecting the earth. In time, many noted that the young girl was no longer a girl, but she had bloomed into the fruit of womanhood, she was with child. The young man was in height of his manhood, preparing to be a father to this heavenly child. The baby was born, it was a girl, and they named her Aradia. Everyone loved her, she was the most wonderful little angel the people had seen. She was raised along side the other children, playing and making games, always had a cheery disposition. Yet this was not to be, for along with birth, also came the birth of all things evil. As Aradia grew, she slowly was separated from the others, and was skilled in the arts of her mother. Magic. Thus began the first teaching of Magic and the second age of time began. Yet her love of the people grew, ad her love for life grew, she took pleasure in helping the needy and joy in playing with the little children. Many people grew jealous of Aradia's power and wanted it for their own, others were accepting and were thankful for her contribution to help keep the world in it's state of harmony. Once she came 'of age' Her parents ascended to Avalon, a haven they prepared for departed spirits and those who they grant entrance for deeds of valor and good works, leaving her to help the world as they did. But they could not forsee what was going to happen. A nameless malice grew among the peoples. It sifted and slithered it's way into the hearts of her people and they began to plot. Slow at first, but little by little, this enemy gained power. Destroying her works and killing her people. Fire burned the forests, water washed away villages, and yet she could do no more to stop it. Once strong enough, the malice revealed his true form. His name was Nadir. He spread his dominion over all the earth, only Aradia and a few of her followers remained, hidden away. She fell into a despair, yet didn't lose hope. She knew that while her mother and Father were in Avalon, they could only do so much, without destroying much of the once beautiful land. She was in thought for many a day while Nadir's reign was gaining. She didn't talk nor eat, sleep, drink, or anything of that sort. It wasn't until the last day of winter, when the ice still covered the land and the snow sent it's last fury and the sun didn't shine that Aradia arose from her dormant. She walked long and far until she found the grove where her parents had danced that first dance that filled the world with life. There she knelt and prayed her last prayer. 'My child, what are you doing?' a voice asked her from above. 'It's the only thing I can do to save your people.' She replied, looking up into her mother's eyes. 'You can't mean.' She nodded in response, not able to talk. She drew out her wand, the first wand in creation, summoned all her strength and will into the first spell uttered. It would cleanse the world of all the filth that had inhabited it since her birth. It was her coming that brought it anyhow. 'Amare, ego donare. Pax, ego donare. Sperare, ego donare. Vita, ego donare. Quod ego optarene, sicne posse.' She repeated three times. A white light radiated from her body as she cast the spell. The entire world was illuminated in a white light and the evil was abolished and the people who were oppressed were released and all was clean. Aradia fell to the ground as the light diminished to a faint glow. She was gone. Not dead, but no life remained in her body. Her spirit had healed the world as she designed. In despair, her mother and father descended Avalon for the first time. They lifted her body up to Avalon and laid their own spell upon the earth. Magical people and non-magical people were to live in two separate worlds. They were not to mix. Magical people were to monitor the non-magical, and the non-magical could never find out about magic, in fear that this same thing should again happen. Yet the non-magical people were given the ability to conform and adapt and change the world they were in. If ever the worlds were to mix, evil again would rise up and come among them. But even that had a hope of end. For once the evil had arisen and punished them enough for they're crime against Aradia, she would once again be born into the world. Oblivious to her past, until her power awakens. She shall awaken and purge the world of it's evil and the time of Peace shall come. Many shall claim to be the messiah, ridding the world of a temporary evil, and praised as the magical world's 'savior. Yet you shall know her by these signs: Four times will she encounter and commune with the elements, fire, water, wind, and earth. Three times she will use magic of the mind. Two times she will use magic of the body. One time she will use magic of the soul." Rachel finished, setting the paper down and looked up, "That's it in a rough translation, and at the end was a part couldn't make out, but it seemed to be scratched out, like it was a mistake."
Albus eyed Hermione and Draco, "Well, it is quite an interesting story. In any case, we must be prepared for what's to come. The end says we shall know her by those signs. We have one part of on. You danced with fire, Aradia. We know that it is only a beginning, and though there is no immediate danger to your status, you must be careful. Draco has done a great job of keeping a watchful eye out, but I'm going to ask him to step it up a bit." Draco nodded in agreement, "Rachel, I want you to try to locate that rest of the parchment and translate it. It could be of importance." She nodded. "Aradia, I just want you to rest for awhile. You've done nothing but work lately, and I fear it will impede on any other activities that might go on. Try not to worry so much, things will get done in due time, I promise. But I implore you to take it easy, and not tell anyone about this yet. Not even Harry or Ron, alright?" She nodded. He gave them all a smile and dismissed them.
Rachel walked with Draco and Hermione to the Head dorm,
"Remember, I'm just a name away if you need me for any reason, Di. Stay close to Draco, he'll look out for you. I'm not sure what part he has yet to play in this whirlwind, but I'm sure we'll find out soon. I'll have Ilyanna floo you tomorrow and we'll get together. Take it easy, ok?" Hermione could only smile and nod, her head was swimming with information and questions nobody could answer.
"Thanks, Rachel. I'm sure we'll manage in the end." Draco said, putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder. Rachel smiled at them then said goodbye. Draco led Hermione into the common room and sat her down on the love seat. His hands found their way to her back and started massaging her. She closed her eyes and she moaned in agreement. Draco knew that he could probably get a little love from her tonight, but held back, not wanting to risk it. After a few minute's he relaxed and she leaned in him, her head on his chest and her feet up. He wrapped his arm around her and summoned a blanket to them. She was asleep before her got them situated. He smiled to him self and magically turned out the lights. He kissed her forehead and whispered,
"I love you, Aradia."
* * *
"You've found it?" Hermione sputtered out, looking in shock to Draco who merely nodded.
"But let's not discuss it here, out in the open. Albus wants us back at Hogwarts for dinner. So we have some time to enjoy each others company for a while." Rachel replied with a smile. Ilyanna slid into her seat once again in the booth, her mother at her side. Rachel was immensely interested in what had changed at Hogwarts, and Hermione and Draco were more than glad to spill all of it's secrets. Ilyanna listened intently, commenting on how things were so different from The Magia School for Sorcery. Rachel told them a few stories on her expeditions at Hogwarts, many including Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. She admitted that she wasn't as close to the Marauders than she was to Lily, but they got along well. Except for Lily and James, until the seventh year.
After the mention of the lost souls, a moment of silence passed between them. No one wanted to address it really, the pain just rippling the waters of their emotions. They passed onto more joyful topics, such as Ilyanna's nightclub, Elysian Fields. She took pride in it, being only 17 and running a business. She had, in fact, won it in a bet. Quite an amusing story by all means. Two pizza' sand three rounds of butterbeer later, they left the Three Broomsticks and parted ways. Ilyanna back to Magia, Rachel, Hermione and Draco back to Hogwarts.
Back at the school, Rachel went up to the teacher's table and sat down next to Professor Vector, talking pleasantly to her. Hermione glanced at Draco, who was uncommonly close to her, glaring at the people who walked by. She had an odd feeling he was guarding or protecting her, as if she was someone very delicate and fragile. She had to admit, it wasn't all that bad having someone who was protective of her. She smiled as her wrapped his arm round her waist, pulling her to one side as a group of Hufflepuffs walked in. Hermione pulled away and gave him a reassuring smile, Draco nodded, getting the hint. She left to the Gryffindor table, and Draco to Slytherin.
Harry and Ron quickly followed in suit after Hermione sat down. They looked hot and sweaty,
"Quidditch practice." Ron said, seeing Hermione's odd look.
"But it doesn't start until October." She said, trying to make sense of it.
"Yeah, but if we don't start practicing, we could lose the quidditch cup, and that's not something I will risk this year." Harry replied, helping himself to some of the delicious looking food that just appeared. Hermione and Ron followed in suit, filling their plates. All through dinner, Hermione felt Draco's gaze on her, as if he knew something she didn't. Every now and then, she'd return the glance, giving him an 'I'm OK' look. He still didn't give up. She tried to venture into Harry and Ron's conversation, which, for the first time in a long time, wasn't about quidditch. She noticed small little things they did, escalating the sexual tension between the two boys. She silently hoped that one of them would get up the courage to tell the other, but she that they were both prideful and stubborn, so it wouldn't be happening soon.
After dinner, Hermione bid Harry and Ron adieu and went up to the teacher's where Draco was already their, with Rachel and Headmaster Dumbledore. She pulled her hair down and shook it out as Dumbledore ended his conversation with Rachel.
"Ah, good, you heard about our little chat." He said, giving them a smile behind his half-moon glasses. "Why don't we go somewhere a little more private, my office, perhaps?" They nodded and he stood up, leading the three to his office down the corridor and to the right. Once inside, Dumbledore seated in his armchair, and the others seated in leather chairs, he began once again. "Now then, We are here to tell Ms. Granger the myth, and decide what course of action to take next. Any questions before we begin?" No one moved, "Well then, Rachel, please start." She nodded and conjured up a piece of parchment. She gave Hermione a reassuring glance then cleared her throat.
" Long ago, before the sands of time began to fall, there was a maiden. She was forever young and blissfully serene. If you were lucky, you could see her dancing the sun set and raising up the moon. Life was still and silent, a peaceful sleep, during this age. The maiden would caress all forms of life with her breath, her steps brought little flowers up and her voice was the music that filled souls. Yet before long, a young man found her dancing in a grove and was entranced by her. Her would go to her everyday and watch her dance in the grove, unnoticed. One day, he got up the courage to make himself known. She was dancing, and he came through the trees. She halted when he came into view, but without saying a word, he offered to dance with her. Life began to awaken as they danced. Birds sang for the first time, flower soaked up the sun, animals inspected the terrain. And the first infant's cry was heard. The Beginning Age had began, all with a dance. The maid and the man never left each other's side, raising the sun and drawing down the moon together each day, watching and protecting the earth. In time, many noted that the young girl was no longer a girl, but she had bloomed into the fruit of womanhood, she was with child. The young man was in height of his manhood, preparing to be a father to this heavenly child. The baby was born, it was a girl, and they named her Aradia. Everyone loved her, she was the most wonderful little angel the people had seen. She was raised along side the other children, playing and making games, always had a cheery disposition. Yet this was not to be, for along with birth, also came the birth of all things evil. As Aradia grew, she slowly was separated from the others, and was skilled in the arts of her mother. Magic. Thus began the first teaching of Magic and the second age of time began. Yet her love of the people grew, ad her love for life grew, she took pleasure in helping the needy and joy in playing with the little children. Many people grew jealous of Aradia's power and wanted it for their own, others were accepting and were thankful for her contribution to help keep the world in it's state of harmony. Once she came 'of age' Her parents ascended to Avalon, a haven they prepared for departed spirits and those who they grant entrance for deeds of valor and good works, leaving her to help the world as they did. But they could not forsee what was going to happen. A nameless malice grew among the peoples. It sifted and slithered it's way into the hearts of her people and they began to plot. Slow at first, but little by little, this enemy gained power. Destroying her works and killing her people. Fire burned the forests, water washed away villages, and yet she could do no more to stop it. Once strong enough, the malice revealed his true form. His name was Nadir. He spread his dominion over all the earth, only Aradia and a few of her followers remained, hidden away. She fell into a despair, yet didn't lose hope. She knew that while her mother and Father were in Avalon, they could only do so much, without destroying much of the once beautiful land. She was in thought for many a day while Nadir's reign was gaining. She didn't talk nor eat, sleep, drink, or anything of that sort. It wasn't until the last day of winter, when the ice still covered the land and the snow sent it's last fury and the sun didn't shine that Aradia arose from her dormant. She walked long and far until she found the grove where her parents had danced that first dance that filled the world with life. There she knelt and prayed her last prayer. 'My child, what are you doing?' a voice asked her from above. 'It's the only thing I can do to save your people.' She replied, looking up into her mother's eyes. 'You can't mean.' She nodded in response, not able to talk. She drew out her wand, the first wand in creation, summoned all her strength and will into the first spell uttered. It would cleanse the world of all the filth that had inhabited it since her birth. It was her coming that brought it anyhow. 'Amare, ego donare. Pax, ego donare. Sperare, ego donare. Vita, ego donare. Quod ego optarene, sicne posse.' She repeated three times. A white light radiated from her body as she cast the spell. The entire world was illuminated in a white light and the evil was abolished and the people who were oppressed were released and all was clean. Aradia fell to the ground as the light diminished to a faint glow. She was gone. Not dead, but no life remained in her body. Her spirit had healed the world as she designed. In despair, her mother and father descended Avalon for the first time. They lifted her body up to Avalon and laid their own spell upon the earth. Magical people and non-magical people were to live in two separate worlds. They were not to mix. Magical people were to monitor the non-magical, and the non-magical could never find out about magic, in fear that this same thing should again happen. Yet the non-magical people were given the ability to conform and adapt and change the world they were in. If ever the worlds were to mix, evil again would rise up and come among them. But even that had a hope of end. For once the evil had arisen and punished them enough for they're crime against Aradia, she would once again be born into the world. Oblivious to her past, until her power awakens. She shall awaken and purge the world of it's evil and the time of Peace shall come. Many shall claim to be the messiah, ridding the world of a temporary evil, and praised as the magical world's 'savior. Yet you shall know her by these signs: Four times will she encounter and commune with the elements, fire, water, wind, and earth. Three times she will use magic of the mind. Two times she will use magic of the body. One time she will use magic of the soul." Rachel finished, setting the paper down and looked up, "That's it in a rough translation, and at the end was a part couldn't make out, but it seemed to be scratched out, like it was a mistake."
Albus eyed Hermione and Draco, "Well, it is quite an interesting story. In any case, we must be prepared for what's to come. The end says we shall know her by those signs. We have one part of on. You danced with fire, Aradia. We know that it is only a beginning, and though there is no immediate danger to your status, you must be careful. Draco has done a great job of keeping a watchful eye out, but I'm going to ask him to step it up a bit." Draco nodded in agreement, "Rachel, I want you to try to locate that rest of the parchment and translate it. It could be of importance." She nodded. "Aradia, I just want you to rest for awhile. You've done nothing but work lately, and I fear it will impede on any other activities that might go on. Try not to worry so much, things will get done in due time, I promise. But I implore you to take it easy, and not tell anyone about this yet. Not even Harry or Ron, alright?" She nodded. He gave them all a smile and dismissed them.
Rachel walked with Draco and Hermione to the Head dorm,
"Remember, I'm just a name away if you need me for any reason, Di. Stay close to Draco, he'll look out for you. I'm not sure what part he has yet to play in this whirlwind, but I'm sure we'll find out soon. I'll have Ilyanna floo you tomorrow and we'll get together. Take it easy, ok?" Hermione could only smile and nod, her head was swimming with information and questions nobody could answer.
"Thanks, Rachel. I'm sure we'll manage in the end." Draco said, putting a hand on Hermione's shoulder. Rachel smiled at them then said goodbye. Draco led Hermione into the common room and sat her down on the love seat. His hands found their way to her back and started massaging her. She closed her eyes and she moaned in agreement. Draco knew that he could probably get a little love from her tonight, but held back, not wanting to risk it. After a few minute's he relaxed and she leaned in him, her head on his chest and her feet up. He wrapped his arm around her and summoned a blanket to them. She was asleep before her got them situated. He smiled to him self and magically turned out the lights. He kissed her forehead and whispered,
"I love you, Aradia."